Dumbledore was also looking at Malfoy, his eyebrows raised slightly, knowing that the Ministry would use the exposure of the Lupin Werewolf to attack him.
Malfoy seemed quite pleased with himself and enjoyed the attention he was receiving.
Malfoy hesitated when he noticed the desolate look on Lupin's face.
Umbridge waited for Malfoy to speak, but he did not, so she said, "Mr Malfoy! If you have something to say, you'd better say it quickly. We don't have all day."
"I want to report…" Malfoy dragged his voice out, his eyes lingering on Lupin for a moment before turning back to Ivan.
"I will report Headmaster Dumbledore!"
When Malfoy finished, there was a stunned silence.
Harry, Ron, Lupin, and Snape stared at him in shock, not expecting Malfoy to turn on Dumbledore. Was Malfoy trying to accuse him of hiring a werewolf to teach at Hogwarts?
Dumbledore, on the other hand, looked at Malfoy with interest.
Umbridge was so excited that she quickly questioned him.
"Mr. Malfoy, you want to report the Headmaster of Hogwarts, and for what? For embezzling money from the school board and the Ministry of Magic? Or for doing something really out of line…"
Umbridge looked expectantly at Malfoy, even going so far as to give him examples, stating that the Ministry of Magic most admired his fearlessness towards power and would deal with him fairly!
However, Malfoy's next words caused Umbridge's smile to falter.
"I want to report him for treating the students of the various academies differently despite being the Headmaster.
As far as I know, Hogwarts has never recorded a three-hundred point increase, and he is clearly favouring Gryffindor House! Otherwise, the House Cup would be Slytherin's this year!"
Malfoy's words were filled with resentment. The Slytherin House had been winning the House Cup for many years, but since Ivan's arrival, the Cup had become Gryffindor's.
'That's all you have to say?' Umbridge asked, her eyes widening.
"Of course, what else would you expect?" Malfoy said casually.
"You misunderstand me, Mr Malfoy!" Dumbledore stepped forward before Umbridge could reply, looking at Malfoy and replying solemnly.
"I think it's worth explaining that I'm adding an unprecedented three hundred points to Mr. Harls's tally, and not just because he managed to capture Peter Pettigrew and discredit the Death Eater hero, Mr. Black.
"Also, because I received a letter from the Order of Merlin confirming that Mr. Harls was about to receive the Order of Merlin, I put the two things together…"
At this, Dumbledore turned his attention to Ivan.
Yvonne nodded quickly. Yes, that was exactly what he was thinking!
Lupin, watching from the sidelines, felt his heart relax, and he gave Malfoy a grateful look. He did not know why Malfoy had changed his mind at the last minute, but Malfoy did choose to let him go.
Snape's face turned as black as the bottom of a pot. His lips quivered but he did not speak.
Nobody was more upset than Umbridge, who had not come here to listen to Dumbledore side with Gryffindor House.
"Malfoy, I remember when Mr Crabbe brought me here, he said you had something important to report!"
Umbridge deliberately emphasised the word "major" and then threatened, "You should understand that fooling the Ministry is not funny!"
'Whatever you think, that's all I'm saying, and you can tell my dad!' Malfoy pursed his lips, unconcerned with Umbridge's threat.
"Lady Umbridge! Please be lenient with a child," Dumbledore said helpfully.
"Malfoy dared to point out some of my faults, and while there was some misunderstanding, it was a commendable attitude! I apologize for my neglect, and promise to treat all Houses more fairly in future!"
Dumbledore apologized and took the lead in applauding. His eyes swept over the professors, who immediately understood and joined in.
Ivan, who also had a taste of Dumbledore's ideas:
Harry and Ron were initially unhappy, but when Hermione whispered that Malfoy still had something on Professor Lupin, they reluctantly clapped their hands.
The classroom erupted in applause.
Malfoy, in the face of this, was stunned, his cheeks turning red and he was at a loss.
This was the first time he had been publicly praised by Dumbledore, not to mention being applauded by his sworn enemies, much to Malfoy's discomfort.
Umbridge stared at Dumbledore, certain that there was something fishy going on, and even suspecting that Dumbledore had done something to Malfoy right under her nose to force him to change his mind!
Umbridge turned to Goyle and Crabbe and questioned them.
"What about you, gentlemen? Anything you want to tell me?"
Goyle and Crabbe shook their heads hesitantly.
In fact, they were quite confused. Malfoy had told them that he was going to expose Lupin for being a werewolf wizard, and now he was accusing Dumbledore of being unfair to the Houses.
However, as a qualified follower, one thing was clear no matter how stupid one was. One should never go against the wishes of one's followers.
'Good… good! Let's go!' Umbridge's gaze swept the classroom and she angrily led the Aurors away.
There was nothing she could do about Dumbledore, much less force the Malfoy family's only son to speak, and she would only be humiliated if she stayed.
Malfoy did not stay long, as he was uncomfortable in the classroom, but before he left, he suddenly turned to Ivan and spoke with his mouth opening and closing.
[We're even now!]
Not caring if Ivan understood or not, Malfoy crossed the threshold and left, Goyle and Crabbe hurrying after him.
Ivan shook his head, not knowing whether to laugh or cry. Of course he understood Malfoy's colloquialism, but he didn't know if this awkward little brat was trying to find a way out of this awkward situation or if he was really struggling with returning the favour…